You haven’t really experienced Peru until you’ve spent way too many hours on a bus, slightly squished, watching the same mountain curve repeat itself while questioning your life choices. It’s kind of a rite of passage… but also, it doesn’t have to be.
Because here’s the thing: Peru by train is a completely different experience. Instead of gripping your seat on winding roads, you’re gliding past mountains, rivers, and tiny villages, with views so good you actually forget to check your phone. It’s slower, yes—but in a good way.
And no, trains here aren’t just a way to get from point A to point B. They’re part of the trip. Sometimes, even the best part.
In this guide, you’ll find three of the best train itineraries in Peru—ranging from the iconic route to Machu Picchu to a high-altitude journey across the Andes and even a lesser-known ride that feels like a real adventure.
Each one offers something different, depending on how you like to travel. So if you’re ready to swap bumpy roads for panoramic windows, let’s get into it.
Quick Tips Before You Hop on a Train
Book early. Trains fill up fast, especially those for Machu Picchu. So, make sure to book your train tickets in advance.
Pack layers. The weather in the Peruvian Andes can be treacherous, even during the rainy or dry season. That’s why we recommend packing layer clothes and having a good pair of waterproof, comfortable shoes.
Snacks? Yes. Always yes. There are certain spots where some of them are available but are way too expensive, probably 3 or 4 times more, so make sure to bring some with you before riding a train.
Altitude is real. Please, take it easy the first day; altitude sickness is no joke. The more days you spend at the altitude, the more you’ll get used to the Andes.
Window seats = gold. Make sure to book your window seat; Andean landscapes are really breathtaking.
3 Train Itineraries
Itinerary #1: Cusco → Machu Picchu, the Classic Bucket List Trip
This is probably the most scenic and famous train ride in Peru. The road from Cusco to the ancient citadel covers rivers and mountains and even has jungle vibes, all in one trip. You’ll also see magic villages in the Sacred Valley, local houses, and, as you go deeper, wildlife.
However, we want you to see the list we made for you about the types of trains to Machu Picchu you need to know:
Expedition (PeruRail – budget option)
This is the most affordable and basic tourist train. It provides comfortable seating with large (but not full panoramic) windows, allowing decent views of the Sacred Valley. The service includes a small snack and drink, making it practical for travelers who want a simple, cost-effective journey without added luxury.
Vistadome (PeruRail – mid-range panoramic)
The Vistadome is designed for travelers who want the journey to be part of the experience. It features panoramic windows on the sides and roof, offering immersive views of the Andes.
Seats are more comfortable, and passengers receive regional snacks and onboard entertainment, sometimes including cultural shows. It’s a balance between comfort and price.
Vistadome Observatory (PeruRail – enhanced experience)
A variation of the Vistadome, this train adds an observatory car with open-air views, plus features such as live music and cultural presentations. It’s ideal for photography and a more interactive travel experience.
Hiram Bingham Train (PeruRail—luxury)
This is the most luxurious train option not only in South America but also one of the best in the world, often compared to a luxury Orient Express–style journey.
It includes gourmet meals, bar service, live music, and an observation car, along with high-end service throughout the trip. Some packages also include guided tours and entrance logistics, making it an all-inclusive premium experience.
Trip Breakdown
Your trip to Machu Picchu will start in Ollantaytambo Train Station (you need a bus to take you there) or in Poroy. The train will take you all the way to the Sacred Valley; you’ll end up in Aguas Calientes town. (also called Machu Picchu town)
What many travelers like you do is spend the night in Aguas Calientes, visit Machu Picchu the next day, and then come back to Cusco. Also, you can spend another night in Aguas Calientes after your Machu Picchu tour and come back to Cusco the next day.
Itinerary #2: Cusco → Puno, the High-Altitude Adventure
Welcome to one of the highest train routes in the world, the Belmond Andean Explorer. This journey connects the Andes with the Altiplano. The Cusco–Puno train route is more than just transportation—it’s a scenic experience where ever-changing landscapes unfold, revealing Peru’s incredible diversity at its finest. Travel in luxury.
What the Experience Is Like
This is a full-day train; the trip will take approximately 10 hours, so it is not a quick ride. As we said before, this is a luxury train, so you’ll have buffet food, music and dance shows, and an observation car where you can take your best pics while breathing some fresh air.
To top it off, this train also has a spa car where you can receive luxury treatments to relieve back or neck pain, or simply to relax.
But what about if you need to hit the sack? The Andean Explorer has 14 suites, 5 double cabins, and 16 twin cabins, all designed for a pleasant rest and adapted to the Andean environment.
First, the cabins are 5.5 m², and the twin-bed cabins are 7.4 m² and can be converted into two single beds. Finally, the suite cabins have a double bed, a chair, a table, air conditioning, oxygen tanks, and more. Everything in a space of 131 m².
As you can see, first-class service is guaranteed, perfect for those who love slow travel, panoramic views, or fans of mountain and high-altitude landscapes.
Route Breakdown
This train ride will take you from Cusco, crossing dramatic and high-altitude landscapes, to reach Puno, around the Lake Titicaca area.
This journey can also be combined with some incredible experiences in Puno that you won’t want to miss, such as visiting the Uros Floating Islands, exploring Lake Titicaca, or discovering the fascinating Sumbay Caves.
For that reason, we recommend taking your time to fully explore these destinations. Many travelers choose to spend an additional 2 to 3 days after the train journey to enjoy Puno and its surroundings at a relaxed pace.
Itinerary #3: Lima → Huancayo, the Underrated Local Experience
If the Machu Picchu train is the famous one, this is its quieter, slightly wild cousin. The train from Lima to Huancayo isn’t polished or luxurious—and that’s exactly why it’s interesting. Fewer tourists, more locals, and a route that climbs deep into the Andes in a way that feels almost unreal at times.
You start near the coast in Lima and slowly climb higher and higher into the mountains. And when we say “climb,” we mean it. The train zigzags up steep slopes, passes through dozens of tunnels, and crosses bridges that make you wonder how they were even built in the first place.
It’s the kind of trip where you spend more time looking out the window than doing anything else. Also, it’s way less touristy. You’re not surrounded by people taking the same photo—you’re just… there, experiencing it.
If you’re looking for luxury, this isn’t your train. But if you’re looking for something a little different—something that feels like an actual adventure—this might end up being one of the most memorable parts of your trip.
Also, there’s a decent chance you’ll spend half the ride thinking, “How is this train even up here?”
What You’ll See Along the Way
The scenery varies significantly on this route, which is part of what makes it so memorable. At the beginning, you’re leaving Lima’s dry, coastal landscape behind. It feels dusty and wide open.
But as the train climbs, everything starts to shift. Mountains get steeper. Valleys get deeper. The air gets thinner.
You’ll pass through:
- Narrow canyons
- Rocky cliffs
- Small Andean villages
- Wide open highland plains
And then there are the engineering highlights—because this train line is kind of a big deal.
We’re talking:
- Dozens of tunnels (you’ll lose count)
- High bridges with serious views
- Switchbacks, where the train literally changes direction to keep climbing
At some points, it genuinely feels like you’re on a train that’s not supposed to be able to go where it’s going.
What the Experience Is Like
This is not a luxury train. Let’s set expectations early. The ride is less basic than the trains to Machu Picchu or Puno. Seats are simpler, and the overall vibe is more local and practical. But that’s also part of the charm. It feels real.
You’re sharing the space with locals, travelers, and the occasional person who clearly does this route often. There’s less “presentation” and more authenticity; here, you have a roughly made itinerary.
Day 1:
Take the train from Lima to Huancayo. This is your main travel day, and it’s all about the journey.
Day 2:
Explore Huancayo. Check out local markets, walk around the town, and enjoy a place that feels much less touristy than other parts of Peru.
Optional Day 3:
Stay another day to explore nearby areas or just relax before heading back or continuing your trip inland.
Things to Know Before You Go
-The train doesn’t run as frequently as others, so planning ahead is important
-Schedules can change, so always double-check
-It’s more about the ride than the destination
-Bring layers—it can get cold as you go higher
Why Train Travel in Peru Just Hits Different
These train options we’ve explored with you are much more than simple transportation—they are experiences that allow you to discover magical places, cultures, ways of life, and breathtaking landscapes along the way. Above all, they offer a genuine glimpse into what Peru is truly like.
So, on your next adventure in Peru, try taking at least one train journey. You’ll soon understand why so many travelers fall in love with this country—just like we Peruvians did.
Keep in mind that Viagens Machu Picchu is here to help you plan the trip of your dreams—and yes, that can include an unforgettable train journey. With more than 150,000 satisfied travelers, our experience speaks for itself, and our team is dedicated to delivering the best service possible.
Feel free to contact us and take the first step toward the adventure of a lifetime. An incredible train journey through Peru is waiting for you!
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